Paver brick install over septic PIPE.

[jimg]

I did this very thing last summer. What I did was dig down about 12" where the walk was going in and hand tamped vigorously. I didnt disturb the soil underneath the pipe though. I back filled w/ stone dust and hand tamped again. (I think there was about 5" or so over the pipe.) I then watered it occassionally over the next couple days to to aid settling. I set up forms and scraped the surface smooth for a bed and dry layed pavers over that. I swept fine sand between the pavers and thats it. Theres been no settling or heaving of the pavers and no problems w/ the pipe. That said the walk is for foot traffic only, no heavy loads. I also didnt use a power compactor b/c I felt it might loosen the soil under the pipe which was settled and supporting the pipe nicely.

 

[srs]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( In MA, the first 10' is generally installed as cast iron and then transitions to PVC. Your local jurisdiction may be different.. )</font>

Junkman, is the 10' cast iron pipe the piece that first exits the house? Wonder why?

 

[Currmudgeon]

Many jurisdictions still require cast iron plumbing in the house, but allow other materials outside. "Outside" usually starts about five feet outside the foundation wall.

If it's got a foot of fill over it, and is in well compacted soil, then there should be no problem, whatsoever, in building a patio over the pipe to the septic tank. I would, however, avoid building over the drain tiles, or driving even light equipment across them much.

 

[RCannon]

Here's the data...
The pipe is schedule 40PVC all the way from the house to the tank. It is approximately 10 inches below the surface at the house in sand/clay/topsoil. The area will be for foot traffic only and I intend to hand dig near the pipe. The rest of the area, I was thinking of rototilling to a certain depth and picking up the spoils with the FEL...the spine ain't what it used to be....or do I need to till it?..keeping in mind I am a rookie with the FEL..

thanks for any input, my wife and I really appreciate it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[slowrev]

I know about the back thing, me too. I don't think any problem at all with just foot traffic on the pavers. !0 inches deep and schedule 40 should be fine for foot traffic and riding lawnmowers, etc... I would till first and then scoop with the loader, this should make the job go smoother, especially if there is grass/sod there, and you would probably have better control with the loader just scooping out the tilled up dirt. You might want to come at the pipe from both sides to aviod running over the pipe with the tractor, 10 inches deep is not very deep especially if the soil is sandy. Best to be safe, a cracked pipe would be a pain in the back to repair.

 

[fivestring]

My driveway is over mine. All three of my vehicles park in and around the line.
There have been no problems in the 8 years the house has been there. (KOW) knockonwood

 

[RCannon]

Thank you to all who have answered. I will have to post some before, during, and after pictures.

This place is a gold mine of help. thanks again. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif